Fashion accessory system

ABSTRACT

A fashion accessory system including at least one endless loop of an elongate piece of fabric includes two rings or connecting elements within the loop, each ring including a connector element, the length of the endless loop sufficient in dimension to hang beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user. Each end of the endless loop is tied into a knot sufficient to secure each ring at a respective end of the endless loop. The system also includes a partial necklace having at least two ends, each end having a connector complemental with the connector elements of the rings, and having a length sufficient to enable the endless loop of fabric to hang beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a fashion accessory system having a necklace portion which partially circles the neck and a fabric portion having no contact with the neck of the user, the system including both scarf-like and jewelry components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to a fashion accessory system which includes a flexible scarf-like member which however is not in contact with the neck of the user, and further includes a link-like jewelry chain upon which other components, such as beads and the like, may be associated. Unlike the prior art known to the inventor and, particularly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,256,793 and 6,519,778, both to Arias et al, the fabric portion of the present invention lies beneath the clavicle or collarbone. As such, the scarf-resembling component thereof is purely ornamental in the inventive system.

The present invention presents a new way to wear a scarf, particularly in warmer climates, while also adding an additional fashion dimension to any outfit. While style is an important consideration in the present fashion accessory system, this invention was designed to conceal a medical device such as a pacemaker or other device inserted under the skin. Further, it aids in concealing scars left by pacemaker and other surgery, as well as birthmarks and other imperfections visible or apparent in the absence of an appropriate cover. Additionally, this device meets a need for those who are allergic and/or sensitive to natural and manmade fabrics and who are currently unable to wear scarves or fabric around or near the neck. Allergies may also include contact dermatitis, chemical additives and dyes, formaldehyde allergies (in fabric softener), formaldehyde resins (to make fabric wrinkle resistant), as well as dermatitis from perspiration and friction.

Accessories are important to fashion. They are desirable as they can add color accents, color contrast, texture, and other decorative interests to clothing to contribute to a more coordinated and complete fashion statement. Neck-related adornment accessories are also effective for adding attractive and complementary color tones and can be used in advantageous ways to enhance facial features, hide neck and other imperfections, and complement unusual and dramatic hairstyles. Accessories providing such adornment have traditionally been limited to jewelry, ribbons, and scarves. During their use, some prior art neck adornment devices, such as scarves, rest against or drape about one or another part of the neck. Scarves encircle the neck and may or may not be closely held against it. Scarves are usually secured in place by opposing ends or corners being tied into a knot, at least one part thereof fastened in place with a brooch or decorative pin, or opposing ends or corners being threaded through a piece of jewelry specifically configured for holding the opposed ends of the scarf. However, the disadvantage of large scarves is that even when they are tied or pinned they can be quite bulky, and while they may be suitable for use at certain formal fashions or in colder climates, they often are inappropriate for use with warm weather clothing such as shorts and t-shirts.

Other prior art is used to adorn the middle part of a neck and must be secured closely against a substantial portion of the neck to prevent inadvertent downward slippage to the lower part of the neck or upper chest during use. When close contact exists between a neck adornment device and the entire circumference of the neck, such as would occur when smaller scarves and the like are tied around a neck, it often creates an uncomfortable, constricted feeling. When prior art neck adornment articles contemplated for use around the middle part of the neck are configured to encircle only a portion of a neck, they must be rigid in construction and able to tightly grip the front, sides, and/or back of the neck. Although rigid neck adornment devices, such as C-shaped wire-like necklaces, may be comfortable when the person wearing it remains substantially still, if the wearer makes a type of certain neck twisting movements, the rigid necklace will not move in unison with the wearer and can cause pain or an unpleasant neck restricting sensation. While adornment around the middle portion of a neck is desirable for its fashion enhancing and other flattering effects, there is no known neck adornment device for wear near the front of a neck that is non-bulky and sufficiently comfortable for extended use, but that does not touch the neck at all.

The present inventive fashion accessory system thereby meets the long-felt need in the art for a system which combines many of the aesthetic and decorative advantages of the necklace and the scarf while providing a method for camouflaging medical and dermatologic issues that may exist in the area below the neck or collarbone of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fashion accessory system comprises at least one endless loop of an elongate piece of fabric, the length of said loop of fabric sufficient in dimension to, at least in part, beneath the clavicle and proximal to a collarbone of a user of the accessory system, having ends thereof at opposite sides of the neck, said loop including two rings each including a connector element, secured within respective opposite ends of said endless loop by tying said respective opposite ends of said loop into a stop knot. The system further includes a partial necklace having at least two ends, each having a connector end complemental to the connector element of each ring, said partial necklace of sufficient length to assure that the endless loop of fabric hangs beneath the neck and below the clavicle of a user of the system. The term necklace as used herein includes snake chains, link chains and equivalents thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fashion accessory system capable of providing a coordinated and complete fashion statement, between the neck and collarbone of a user that is, beneficial in appearance to the outfit of the user as a whole.

It is another object to provide for a new use of a scarf, particularly applicable in warmer climates.

It is a further object to provide a fashion-enhancing system while also providing for camouflage of medical devices or imperfections of skin beneath the lower neck and proximally to the collarbone of a user.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a new and unique category of fashion accessory having various interchangeable elements thereof.

The above and yet other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endless loop of fabric and an associated ring representing the first step of the present inventive method and system.

FIGS. 2-3 are sequential views showing the manner in which each end of the endless loop shown in FIG. 1 is tied into the form of an overhand knot with the rings of the loops secured in place by the knot.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of one side of the loop showing the ring secured within the knot.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a necklace portion of the inventive system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the completed system of the present fashion accessory.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing one means of connection between the fabric portion to the necklace portion of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of another means of connection of the necklace to the rings of the endless loop.

FIG. 9 is a view of one embodiment of the completed invention, further to the schematic view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention not making use of an endless loop of material.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a European loop knot which may be used alternatively to the overhand knot shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is schematic view of a slip knot which may be used alternatively to the overhand knot shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13-15 are sequential views showing a method of attaching the connector element to a length of fabric that is not a loop which method may be used in the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 9 in which no stop knot is used.

FIG. 17 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 16 in which cords are used in lieu of a stop knot, and in which the hanging fabric may consist of a plurality of strips of fabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the schematic view of FIG. 1, an endless loop portion 20 is shown which, typically, is formed by the sewing together of opposing ends 21 and 23 at line 25. It is noted that each of such endless loops defines an entire length of between about 75 and about 105 centimeters and a width of about 8 to about 32 centimeters. Such a length is necessary to accomplish the objects of the invention as set forth above.

In a preferred embodiment, one endless loop is typically utilized in the instant invention although it is to be appreciated that two loops, as well as a greater number may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The material employed may include a broad variety of fabrics including, without limitation, silk, chiffon and poly-silk, as well as cotton. It is noted that the above-referenced length of the material shown in FIG. 1, when formed into a loop, will define a loop having a length when sewn in a range of about 40 to about 50 centimeters. Such a length is sufficient to enable the fabric portion of the fashion accessory system, when combined with other components thereof as described below, to hang beneath the neck of a user (see FIGS. 9 and 10) opposing ends of the endless loop secured beneath the neck of a user and to an area below the clavicle or collarbone.

As may be noted with reference to FIG. 2, two rings 24 and 26 are secured about the endless loop, or all of the plurality of endless loops of fabric that may be employed in a given embodiment of the invention. Provided upon each ring 24 and 26 is a circular element 28 which includes a complemental connection element such as a screw 30 integrally secured to element 28. It is to be understood that the term “ring” as used herein is not limited to circular structures but may, without limitation, include jump rings, hooks, swirls, squares, triangles or any geometry to which the end of the loop 20 may be attached, as set forth below.

With reference to the view of FIGS. 3-4, there is shown the manner in which each opposing end of the endless loop 20 may be tied into a stop knot to secure therewithin a respective ring 24 or 26, this one as may be more fully appreciated with reference to the perspective view of the fashion accessory shown in FIG. 9. It is, however, to be appreciated that a stop-knot capable of a similar function may be accomplished through the use of a European loop knot 31.1 (shown in FIG. 11) or by a slip knot 31.2 (shown in FIG. 12) to mention just two other examples.

It is to be noted that rings 24/26 or equivalent means may be stitched to loop 20 before or after the loop is formed by stitching 25 (see FIG. 1), and thereafter the knots 31 formed in the manner shown in FIGS. 2-4.

After respective ends of the endless loop or loops of fabric have been tied into stop knots 31 with the respective rings 24/36 secured thereinto, a chain of one or two segments 32A and 3B thereof may be employed. These are shown in FIG. 5. The chain of whatever type, must include proximal ends 34 and 36 which define connector ends. See FIG. 4. Such connector ends, by the selection of appropriate means, are capable of complemental connection to connector elements 30 of ring 28. In other words, if connector elements 30 are male, connector ends 34 and 36 of necklace segments 32A and 32B respectively must define complemental female engagement means. Alternatively, if loop 28 (see FIG. 4) secured about rings 24 and 26 is a clasp, then connectors ends 34 and 36 of the partial necklace may comprise a loop to which the clasp would readily attach.

In the embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, each segment 32A and 32B of the partial necklace defines a length in a range of about 14 to about 18 centimeters, with 16 centimeters preferable for most users.

In the entire fashion accessory system, shown in FIG. 6, connector element 30 is shown in integral relationship with ring 24 indicating that loop 28 reflects an option, as opposed to a necessity, in the practice of the present invention. Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, connector ends of the necklace comprise a female bore within a bead 38, after which other beads 40 or more may be attached before the beginning of chain segments 32A and 32B. An alternative means of connection is shown in FIG. 7 in which male element 30 of FIG. 4 is substituted with a female bore 30.1 such that male connector end 38.1 of a necklace segment may be employed. In this embodiment, beads 42, 44 and 46, any of which may also include lock beads, may be positioned upon either necklace segment 32A or 32B. Also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is clasp 48 which is used when the necklace consists of two discreet chain segments.

Shown in FIG. 8 is an enlargement in which male connector element 30 is fully engaged within a female recess within bead 38 which has been locked at an end (not shown) of necklace segment 32B.

Shown in FIG. 9 is perspective view of the complete fashion accessory system assembled in accordance with the view of FIG. 8 and which implies use of an overhand of knot as the lock knot 31 of the endless loop 20 of fabric 20.

Shown in FIG. 10 is a further embodiments of the present invention in which there is employed a single length of fabric 50 cut to appropriate length in which ends thereof are looped, tied or sewn to rings 26. Thereafter, a knot 52 may be made to conceal the stitched seam, and the fabric 50 twisted before it is attached to the partial necklace 32. As in other embodiments, swirl-like connectors and other geometries may be used in lieu of rings 26.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an alternative to the endless loop method, applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 10. Therein, an end 54 of fabric 50 is looped through a ring 26, swirl, or other geometry of interest and sewn to fabric 50 at line 56. A knot 58 is then formed in the manner shown in FIGS. 14-15.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention in which an endless loop 60 is attached to rings 26 without use of any knots of connector links.

In FIG. 17, it is to be noted that a plurality of shredded or stretched lengths 51 of fabric may be employed in lieu of a single piece of fabric. After ends 53 of the lengths are inserted into and folded through the rings 26, a cord 55 or the like is wrapped around the fabric ends several times to secure all of the shredded or stretched lengths of fabric.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that a wide variety of fashion combinations and accessories may be constructed within the scope of the present invention, this inclusive of the spreading of forward portion of knot 31 (see FIG. 9) so as to partially or completely cover ring 26.

While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith. 

1. A fashion accessory system, comprising: (a) at least one endless loop of an elongate piece of fabric, the length of said loop sufficient in dimension to hang, at least in part, beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user of the accessory system, the loop having ends thereof placed at opposite sides of the neck, said loop including two rings each including a connector element, secured within respective opposite ends of said endless loop by tying said respective opposite ends of said loop into a stop knot; and (b) a partial necklace having two ends, each having a connector end complemental to said connector element of said ring, said necklace of sufficient length to assure that said endless loop of fabric hangs beneath the clavicle and collarbone of a user of the accessory system.
 2. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which said necklace comprises two separate segments joined by a clasp at ends of said segments opposite said connector ends of each segment.
 3. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of beads upon said necklace.
 4. The accessory system as recited in claim 2, in which said rings comprise swirls.
 5. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which said rings comprise snap-closeable clasps.
 6. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which a portion of each stop knot covers at least a portion of each ring.
 7. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which said knot stop comprises: an overhand knot.
 8. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which said stop knot comprises: a European loop knot.
 9. The accessory system as recited in claim 1, in which said stop knot comprises: a slip knot.
 10. The accessory system as recited in claim 2, in which each of said segments define a length in a range of about 14 to about 18 centimeters.
 11. The accessory system as recited in claim 2, in which each endless loop defines a length of about 75 to about 150 centimeters and a width of about 8 to about 32 centimeters each.
 12. A fashion accessory system, comprising: (a) at least one elongate piece of fabric, the length thereof sufficient in dimension to hang beneath the neck including and, at least in part, beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user of the accessory system, the fabric having ends thereof placed at opposite sides of the neck, said fabric including two rings each including a connector element, secured within respective opposite ends of said endless elongate piece of fabric by tying respective opposite ends of said piece of fabric to said rings; and (b) a partial necklace having two ends, each having a connector end complemental to said connector element of said ring, said necklace of sufficient length to assure that said elongate of fabric hangs beneath the clavicle and collarbone of a user of the accessory system.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12, in which said ring comprises any loop-like connector.
 14. The method as recited in claim 13, in which said elongate piece of fabric comprises a multiplicity of strips of fabric.
 15. The method as recited in claim 14, in which ends of said strips are looped through said rings and then secured to a main region of the strips.
 16. A fashion accessory system, comprising: (a) at least one elongate piece of fabric, the length thereof sufficient in dimension to hang beneath the neck including, at least in part, beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user of the accessory system, the fabric having ends thereof placed at opposite sides of the neck, said fabric including two rings each including a connector element; and (b) a partial necklace having two ends, each having a connector end complemental to said connector element of said ring, said necklace of sufficient length to assure that said at least one loop of fabric hangs beneath the clavicle or collarbone of a user of the accessory system.
 17. The accessory system as recited in claim 16, in which said necklace comprises two separate segments joined by a clasp at ends of said segments opposite said connector ends of each segment.
 18. The accessory system as recited in claim 16, further comprising: a plurality of beads upon said necklace.
 19. The accessory system as recited in claim 17, in which said rings comprise swirls. 